bacchusnovels Chapter 443 Shakespeare once said...
Chapter 443 Shakespeare once said...
Chapter 443 Shakespeare once said...
"Given the current situation, and given that Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, Amelia Burns, has failed to properly maintain order at the Quidditch Cup, resulting in a negative impact on the entire wizarding world, I have decided to appoint you as Acting Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, and demote Amelia to Deputy Head." Fudge's tone was solemn. "You will take over all affairs of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement and completely rebuild its structure to expedite the response to the crisis in the wizarding world."
Sean paused for a moment, and his expression changed instantly.
This time, a long-lost smile finally appeared in his eyes.
"Department of Magical Law Enforcement?" He repeated the title softly, seemingly surprised and honored by the sudden appointment. "I see. That makes a difference."
Before Fudge could respond, he took the initiative to assume the responsibilities of senior advisor to the Ministry of Magic and head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, appearing as if he were considering the issue from Fudge's perspective.
"Minister Fouché, I think our top priority right now is to control public opinion."
"You need a strong statement proving that the Dark Mark is not a symbol of the return of dark wizards, but rather a tool used by certain wizards with ulterior motives to create panic."
"I can also help you coordinate the relevant voices and garner support from the magical community."
Fudge nodded, seemingly agreeing with Sean's suggestion, but he still appeared very anxious.
"The problem is, if a few statements could quell this storm, the Ministry of Magic would be too complacent. We need more than just clarifying the truth; we need to take concrete actions to restore public trust."
He paused, then looked sharply at Sean.
That expression clearly said:
"I'm handing over the Department of Magical Law Enforcement to you. Compared to the power you're about to gain, the price you're paying now is far from enough." "I understand, Minister Fudge."
Sean raised his head again and looked Fudge straight into his eyes.
"I will help you, but this is not just a simple matter of making a statement."
"If you really want to restore the public's trust, you must take concrete actions, not just keep talking about it."
"I think we need stronger evidence."
Fudge frowned slightly, seemingly understanding the subtext of Sean's words. "You mean, not just issuing a statement? What do you want to do?"
Sean didn't answer immediately. Instead, he stood up from his chair, placed his hands on the table, and raised his voice, "We can organize a public hearing and invite some influential people to come forward and express their opinions publicly."
He paused slightly, his gaze lingering on Fudge's eyes for a moment, before continuing, "At the same time, I can contact some key wizarding figures to jointly issue a statement, so that everyone can work together to quell this storm. Moreover, it must be made clear that the Ministry of Magic's attitude towards such false reports must show that we will not tolerate any behavior that endangers public safety."
Fudge remained silent for a while, seemingly considering the practical feasibility and potential impact of Sean's proposal.
Finally, he spoke, his voice low and deep: "Who do you want to invite?"
Sean replied without hesitation, "Albus Dumbledore."
Upon hearing the name, Fudge smiled slightly.
Now we have enough chips.
In fact, getting Dumbledore to admit outright that this matter had any direct connection to Voldemort was practically impossible—a pipe dream. However, if one could skillfully guide him to utter some vague and ambiguous words, that would be a completely different story.
The allure of journalism lies precisely in this: it does not lie in presenting the truth, but in creating seemingly logical, yet actually ambiguous, conclusions through questioning and deduction.
The key issue is not getting Dumbledore to personally deny it, but rather providing the Ministry of Magic with a basis in public opinion that it can exploit.
This makes the task seem much easier to accomplish.
So, in Fudge's name, Dumbledore was invited to the Ministry of Magic to attend a press hearing about the Quidditch World Cup riots.
The press hearing was held in the lobby of the Ministry of Magic.
The reason for choosing this location is to accommodate more journalists, officials, and wizarding enthusiasts (unemployed individuals and custodians) to participate in this press hearing.
After the key figures arrived, the host announced the event in a standard London accent.
"Thank you all for coming."
Meanwhile, the Weasley family gathered in the living room, around the table, anxiously awaiting the start of the press hearing.
Everyone's attention was focused on the radio. A dozen minutes earlier, the radio program had been suddenly paused and replaced with a press hearing that had been convened on short notice.
Molly sat at the front, nervously wringing the towel in her hands, her eyes filled with unease.
Fred and George didn't joke around as usual, but sat quietly to the side.
"I really hope this will solve the problem," Molly murmured to herself, her voice trembling slightly, as if she were very concerned about Fudge and the Ministry of Magic's response—last night's events had left the poor woman quite shaken. "These messy reports are really annoying."
Bill stood by the window, his eyes glued to the radio. "They have to clarify everything as soon as possible; they can't let those rumors continue to spread."
Just then, the clear voice of the radio host broke the silence.
"Thank you all for coming."
Everyone listened intently, and a tense atmosphere filled the air.
"Today, we will discuss the recent unrest at the Quidditch World Cup and invite comments from those in charge and public figures."
Fudge's voice came through, in his usual official tone.
"Everyone, first of all, I want to thank you for remaining calm in such a chaotic situation."
"We are deeply saddened by last night's disturbance and have launched an investigation."
"We have made it clear that the Ministry of Magic will not tolerate any behavior that disturbs public order—especially those related to dark magic or illegal activities..."
Harry listened to Fudge's words with a furrowed brow.
For some reason, he always felt that every word Fudge said was deliberately blurring the focus, as if he was avoiding something.
Hermione was somewhat dissatisfied. "This isn't a real explanation at all. Fudge is just going in circles," she said in a low voice. "He didn't mention Voldemort at all, nor did he answer the question that everyone is most concerned about."
At this moment, the host's voice came again: "Next, we would like to invite Professor Sean Phillips, a senior advisor to the Ministry of Magic and the newly appointed Director of the Department of Legal Enforcement at the Ministry of Magic, to share his views!"
"Professor Phillips is here!" Ron almost jumped up. "We've only been apart for a few hours, and he's already the head of the Department of Law Enforcement! Unbelievable!"
Hermione's eyes widened slightly, and her body involuntarily leaned forward, as if she were about to fall into a radio at any moment.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Sean began, "first of all, I want to express my deepest concern and regret over last night's events. No matter how we explain it, such violence and chaos should never have happened. We must take all necessary measures to ensure that similar incidents do not occur again."
Harry frowned. Professor Phillips's words sounded equally unremarkable, not much different from Fudge's statement, still emphasizing "chaos" and "violence," but failing to get to the heart of the matter.
But....
The person who said this was Professor Phillips.
He must have his reasons for saying that.
Harry glanced around furtively and it seemed that everyone else present thought the same thing.
Sean paused briefly, his tone becoming more composed: "However, I also want to make it clear—we cannot ignore the deeper issues behind this. Last night's riots were not merely due to the radical actions of some ignorant wizards. We must confront a more serious reality: the resurgence of dark magic is quietly changing our world."
"Professor Phillips actually dared to say that?" Charlie exclaimed in surprise. "Is this a direct hint at Voldemort's resurrection?"
The people present looked at each other.
They weren't the only ones in a panic; the entire wizarding world was listening to this press hearing. From the pubs of Hogsmeade to the shops in Diagon Alley, and even in places far from the wizarding world, everyone was watching this moment unfold.
Of course, this also included the press hearing at the Ministry of Magic. At this moment, the atmosphere in the Ministry of Magic's hall instantly became extremely tense, and almost everyone's eyes were focused on Sean.
The sound of camera shutters began to ring out, flashes went off incessantly, and photographers quickly captured this historic moment. Journalists across the press wore expressions of ecstasy; clearly, this hearing had provided them with far more impactful material than usual.
But for Fudge, things progressed in a way that far exceeded his expectations.
It wouldn't be an exaggeration to describe it as going in the opposite direction.
Fudge, sitting in the front row, gripped his speech manuscript tightly, his expression somewhat solemn.
Although he had already communicated with Sean, explicitly requesting him to focus on the Ministry of Magic's capabilities and handling measures during the press hearing, and to avoid touching on the sensitive topic of Voldemort's return,
However, when he heard Sean's words, his heart sank.
Something seems... off?
Or... let's wait and see.
Fudge, oblivious to the anxiety, noticed that Dumbledore, sitting in the front row next to him, also darkened his expression the moment Sean spoke.
Looking at the pairs of eyes staring intently at him, Sean cleared his throat and continued.
"We are seeing more and more signs that the dark forces have not completely disappeared as we thought. We also know that the fear and anxiety of many citizens of the wizarding world, especially those who have directly experienced attacks by dark magic, are very real."
"But," Sean abruptly changed his tone, "that doesn't mean we should succumb to fear. On the contrary, we must unite to ensure that order and peace in the wizarding world continue."
"Therefore, in order to better address the threat of the dark forces, I, as the Director of the Department of Law Enforcement at the Ministry of Magic, hereby declare that the Ministry of Magic has decided to enter a state of preparedness. All high-risk areas will be subject to stricter monitoring in conjunction with the 'Wizard Information Database.'"
"All wizards must report to the Ministry of Magic in advance when entering or leaving."
"All Floo powder lanes in the UK will be temporarily closed, and temporary permits will be issued after review."
"Any wizard who obtains an Apparition certificate will be prohibited from using this spell except in special circumstances."
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The statement reads, "We will take over certain key locations to ensure that no more disasters like the Quidditch World Cup are ever repeated."
"In this difficult time, let us stand together and overcome these challenges."
These words caused an uproar in the hall. Reporters below the stage raised their cameras, and for a moment, the hall of the Ministry of Magic was as bright as day.
"Forcibly taking over the premises?!"
"A state of readiness?!"
Is the Ministry of Magic preparing for all-out war?
The wizards present began to whisper among themselves, and the atmosphere instantly became tense and uneasy.
At this moment, Dumbledore slowly stood up.
Sean caught a glimpse of this scene out of the corner of his eye, and a smile appeared on his lips.
Shakespeare once said, "The English are of a temperament that always prefers compromise. For example, if you say, 'This room is too dark,' and suggest opening a skylight here, everyone will certainly object. But if you propose tearing down the roof, they will compromise and agree to open a skylight."
If the crisis facing the British wizarding world is exaggerated, Dumbledore, who always maintains stability, will step in and say things that are not limited to phrases like "it's not that serious" or "it's not that bad."
With such remarks further amplified by journalism—the task is perfectly accomplished, isn't it?
Even when Voldemort is actually born, these statements can be used to turn the tables on Dumbledore.
The instruction manual for Albus Dumbledore, the world's greatest white wizard... He, Sean Phillips, has mastered it!
Inside the Burrow, everyone listening to Professor Phillips and Dumbledore's debate looked thoughtful.
"Professor Phillips, I must raise an objection."
"I understand what you mean. Indeed, the threat of dark magic still exists, and we need to remain vigilant. However, the public in the wizarding world does not need to overreact or react excessively."
"We cannot push the entire wizarding world to the brink of tension and panic based on just one or two isolated incidents. We need more facts and evidence to support this decision, rather than relying solely on unverified speculation."
"So, Professor Dumbledore, you also believe that the resurgence of the Dark Arts is just speculation... is that right?"
"A baseless, absurd speculation."
"I said," Ron broke the silence with a crackling sound from the radio, turning to Molly, "Mom, what are we having for dinner tonight?"